Terp pearls are small heat-resistant balls, usually quartz, that sit inside a banger. When you draw with a directional carb cap, they spin and push concentrate across the hot surface so it vaporizes evenly with less left behind. Most flat-top bangers take two 6mm pearls, while terp slurpers use a marble and pillar set.
Key takeaways
- Terp pearls spread concentrate across the banger floor so it heats evenly and less is wasted.
- Quartz is the most common material. Ruby, sapphire and silicon carbide hold heat longer.
- Two pearls is the usual starting point for a flat-top banger. Match the size to the banger floor.
- Pair them with a directional or bubble carb cap so airflow spins them.
We do not sell terp pearls right now, but here are popular in-stock dab rigs and accessories to upgrade your setup.
What do terp pearls do?
They keep concentrate moving. As the pearls spin, they roll the melted concentrate across the hot banger floor instead of letting it pool in one spot.
That movement helps the whole dab vaporize at a steady temperature and leaves less residue behind. Pearls also store a little heat, which can help keep the surface warm through the draw. They are a small accessory that changes how evenly your dab heats.
What are terp pearls made of?
Most terp pearls are quartz, the same material as most bangers. Ruby, sapphire and silicon carbide (SiC) cost more and hold heat longer, and each one looks different under light.
| Material | Heat retention | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Moderate | Low | The standard choice. Clear and easy to clean. |
| Ruby | High | Medium to high | Holds heat well. Deep red color. |
| Sapphire | High | Medium to high | Durable and holds heat. Clear or tinted. |
| Silicon carbide | Very high | Medium | Dark and opaque. Very durable. |
What size terp pearls do you need?
Choose a size that spins freely but cannot block the airflow holes. For most flat-top bangers, 6mm pearls are the common pick.
Flat top banger
Standard bucket
Usually two 6mm pearls. Smaller 4mm to 5mm pearls suit narrow buckets.
Blender banger
Side airflow holes
Pearls must be larger than the airflow slits so they spin without falling in.
Terp slurper
Marble and pillar
Uses a marble on top and a pillar inside, not loose pearls.
Thick bottom banger
Deep heat sink
Same sizing as flat tops. Pearls help spread the heat across the floor.
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Bangers, carb caps, terp pearls and dab tools. Free US shipping over $49.99.
How do you use terp pearls?
Drop them into the banger, heat as usual, let it cool to your dab temperature, add your concentrate and cap with a directional carb cap. Many people add pearls after heating with tongs.
- Place one or two pearls in a room temperature banger, or add them with tweezers after heating.
- Heat the banger evenly with your torch, then let it cool to your preferred dab temperature.
- Add your concentrate onto the banger floor near the pearls.
- Cover with a directional or bubble carb cap and point the airflow at the pearls.
- Draw slowly. The pearls spin and move the concentrate around.
- Swab the banger and pearls while they are still warm.
How many terp pearls should you use?
Start with two. One pearl can work in small bangers, while three or more crowd the floor and slow the spin.
If the pearls do not move when you draw, try one fewer, a smaller size or a carb cap with stronger directional airflow.
Do terp pearls need a carb cap?
Yes, for the full effect. A directional carb cap pushes air across the pearls so they spin; without one, they just sit in place.
Bubble caps with an angled airflow hole and spinner caps are the common choices. Point the airflow toward the pearls and turn the cap gently as you draw to keep them moving.
What is a terp slurper?
A terp slurper is a banger with a slotted dish at the base and a column above it. Airflow pulls concentrate up through the slots for even heating, and it uses a marble and pillar instead of loose pearls.
Slurpers are popular for their airflow and look, but they take more practice to heat evenly. If you want to try one, the ERRL Mini Terp Slurper is in stock. For a flat-top style with spinning airflow, look at the ERRL Blender Banger.
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Compact glass rigs that pair perfectly with bangers and pearls. 100% Authentic from top brand names.
How do you clean terp pearls?
Swab them with a cotton swab while warm after each dab, then soak them in isopropyl alcohol now and then. Rinse and dry before using again.
- After each session, remove the pearls with tweezers and wipe them with a cotton swab.
- Every few sessions, soak them in a small jar of 91% isopropyl alcohol for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and let them air dry completely.
- Store them in a small dish so they do not roll away or chip.
Are terp pearls worth it?
For most people who dab with a glass rig, yes. Pearls are inexpensive, last a long time with care and make each dab heat more evenly, so less concentrate is left pooled in the corner of the banger. If you already use a directional carb cap, adding pearls is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make.
Can you use terp pearls in an e-rig?
Some e-rig owners add small pearls to their chamber, but check your device maker’s guidance first. Electric chambers are shaped differently from bangers, and the wrong size can block airflow or scratch the surface. Many e-rigs, such as the Puffco Proxy Core, are designed around pearls in a specific size range, so follow those numbers when they are published.
With a glass banger, the rules are simpler: match the pearl size to the floor of the banger, keep them larger than any airflow holes and replace any pearl that chips.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use 1 or 2 terp pearls?
Two is the most common starting point for a standard flat-top banger, because two pearls spin against each other and move concentrate well. One pearl works in small or narrow bangers. If your pearls do not spin, try one fewer, a smaller size or a carb cap with more directional airflow.
Can you reuse terp pearls?
Yes. Quartz, ruby, sapphire and silicon carbide pearls are all reusable. Swab them with a cotton swab while they are still warm after each dab and soak them in isopropyl alcohol every few sessions. Replace them if they crack, chip or stay cloudy after cleaning.
Can I use a BB as a terp pearl?
No. Metal BBs and other non-heat-rated objects are not designed for banger temperatures and can contaminate your dab or damage your banger. Use pearls made for dabbing, such as quartz, ruby, sapphire or silicon carbide, which are built to handle the heat safely.
Do I heat up my banger with the terp pearls in it?
You can do either. Some people heat the banger with pearls inside so they warm up together, while others add the pearls with tweezers after heating to avoid hot spots and reduce the risk of cracking. Heat evenly and let the banger cool to your dab temperature before adding concentrate.
What size terp pearls fit a 25mm banger?
Most 25mm flat-top bangers work well with two 6mm pearls, which spin freely without blocking airflow. Narrower bangers may suit 4mm to 5mm pearls. Always check that the pearls are larger than any airflow holes in your banger so they cannot fall in.
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Start with two quartz pearls, pair them with a directional carb cap and keep them clean. When you are ready to upgrade your banger or cap, browse our dab accessories.
